The 48-year-old got all the way to Boot Camp on this year’s 2017 series but revealed how he ‘felt like I was being treated like an animal’.

‘I was waiting for 12 hours to audition and I didn’t eat anything or drink anything and you’re in a hot room all day.’

It was the second time that Simon had auditioned (Picture: Getty)

2017 was Simon’s second time auditioning for the singing competition – in 2015 he also appeared on Big Brother – but he said was shocked that he was expected to film for almost 17 hours a day during the Boot Camp stage.

Simon also told the Daily Star: that he felt abandoned once he left the show, adding: ‘They get what they want and then you’re forgotten about.’

An X Factor spokesman said: ‘We work hard to ensure all contestants needs are met and kept as comfortable as possible during all stages of filming.

‘Contestants are welcome to take breaks and leave the holding room in between filming as well as being provided with water and being made aware as to where food is available’ they added.